Minutes of Meeting – December 16, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; Warren Archey; Ken Fowler.
The Chairman congratulated Police Chief O’Brien on the receipt of an award from the Western MA Chiefs of Police Association. He also thanked Pignatelli Electric for decorating the light poles in the downtown.
MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to accept the Minutes of December 14 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Citizen’s Open Forum: None.
Consent Agenda: None.
The Board received a request from C & Z Food Service, Inc. to transfer an A/A license at 506 Pittsfield Road (Panda House). The Clerk read the legal notice as it appeared in The Berkshire Eagle. MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to open the public hearing. 5/0 vote. Attorney Cimini was present to answer any questions the Board had. He stated that the operations would remain the same as they currently are. MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to close the public hearing. 5/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to approve the transfer of an A/A license from Xiang & You Restaurant, Inc. to C & Z Food Service, Inc. 5/0 vote.
Town Manager Report: The TM presented an Intermunicipal Agreement signed by the Town of Lee. He is recommending the Boards’ approval as a final step in solidifying the sharing of building inspector services. The Towns have agreed to a 50/50 split for the remainder of the current fiscal year. MOTION by KF, seconded by DR to sign said agreement as presented. 5/0 vote.
The TM submitted a change to the Personnel Policy manual which would grant credit for prior years of service when calculating vacation leave. In addition, he is seeking to change the accrual period for leave from annual to monthly. This would grant new employees vacation time immediately rather than having to wait one year as with the current plan. He will notify the employees of this change, and ask the Board to approve the policy changes at their 12/30 meeting.
DR briefly updated the Board on plans for the 250th anniversary celebration. The Committee plans to raise significant funds, but also hopes that the Town will be willing to assist with costs.
Tennessee Pipeline: CG stated that the Town’s Special Counsel is preparing an intervenor document for the Boards’ review, which needs to be filed by 1/6/16. He also stated that there is another alternate route near Olivia’s Outlook, running to and along the turnpike, which needs to be analyzed.
Rest of River: The ROR municipal meeting will be held tomorrow. WA and the TM will attend, with an update provided at the 12/30 BOS meeting.
Solar Project: No update.
BOS Reports: WA stated that there have been discussions about the installation of a gazebo and walkway in Kennedy Park near West Dugway Road. This would be done over a number of years. He also mentioned that the hardy kiwi project is moving forward nicely, and that he is very pleased with the chemical selected to be utilized. DR stated that at the last Library Board meeting, Richard Taylor was elected President of the Library Board of Trustees. He also mentioned that the Historical Commission continues to work on the historic sign project. CG stated that there was a CPC meeting the other night, and that the deadline for receipt of applications for funding is 12/31. He went on to state that the process will be revamped, possibly this year. It will be dependent upon how many applications are received
by the Town. KF stated that the Environmental Committee is moving forward to reduce plastic and polystyrene use. Should residents see people working along Lenox Mountain Road, EL mentioned that preliminary engineering work for a water project is occurring.
By roll call, CG, EL, DR, KF and WA voted to go into Executive Session at 7:45pm to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation, as well as for collective bargaining with police, fire and public works.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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